28th September, 2011
A human rights group, Socio Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP says Nigeria’s 51st independence anniversary should be a time for sober reflection on how to address the country’s fundamental challenges.
Mr Adetokunbo Mumuni, Executive Director, SERAP, spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Tuesday ahead of the 1 October independence anniversary.
Mumuni said that rather than embark on an elaborate celebration, the government and the people should use the opportunity to reflect soberly on how to move the country forward.
“There should be no elaborate celebration. The 51st anniversary is not a landmark thing, it should be a time for sober reflection.
“Everything should be low-keyed if we must face the reality on the ground,†he said.
Mumuni said there were fundamental issues that needed to be addressed.
“Challenges such as social inequality, injustice, unemployment, poverty and insecurity must be addressed,†he said.
Mumuni said tackling the problem of insecurity should be made a priority, adding that the government must provide adequate training for security operatives and invest more in equipment.
He urged Nigerians to be patriotic and security conscious in order to complement the government efforts to address the issue.
“We should be thankful to God that the nation has remained intact despite its security challenges.
“This is the time for us as a people to forge ahead in unity and chart a new course for this country,†Mumuni said.